Daily Devotional for March 23, 2021

After reading yesterday’s Daily Devotional, Pete walked into my office and said, “I hate to disturb you when you are deep in thought, but I have to know how you put a grain drill in a tree.”  So, I told him.

I could tell Pete was overly impressed by the series of decisions I made that resulted in a large piece of agricultural equipment hanging from a tree.  He gave me the same look Shannon gives me all the time.

It’s the same look the church staff gives me when I come up with a brilliant idea during the staff meeting.

It’s the same look the congregation gives me when I preach the greatest sermon in the history of sermons.

It’s the same look Melissa gives me – in fact, that’s the only look she ever gives me.

I get that look of affirmation and admiration quite often.  It is clear I impress a lot of people.  But, what if I’m wrong?  What if that look means something entirely different? 

Pete’s look could have been one of dismay in following my death-defying logic.

The congregation’s look may be one of confusion.

The staff’s looks may be looks of panic.

Melissa’s look, well, like I said, it’s the only look she ever gives me.  So, it’s all relative.

The only look I know will never change is the look God gives me.

I am sure there are times when God looks at my decisions with dismay, anger, frustration, amusement, or joy.  But none of that changes God’s fundamental look.

God looks at me as part of his precious creation.  God looks at me as someone worth dying for.  God looks at me as someone in need of grace.  God really sees me.

It’s the same for you.

No matter what the world sees in you or what you see in yourself, when God looks at you, he sees something of infinite worth – something God will love forever.  That’s the look that matters.

David said, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderful made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

God made you.  God sees you.  God loves you.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for loving, guiding, and supporting me.  Help me remember I belong to you.  Let me see others through your eyes.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Now that I’ve had a few minutes to think it through, I’m pretty sure Pete’s initial look was one of fascination and admiration.  I’m sticking with that.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins